Remainder of London

The next day I set off to explore the city. A few minutes later, I saw this cab - upon reflection of the week, I agree.

First stop was the free and fantastic Tate Museum of modern art, which I accessed by crossing over the Millenium Bridge:

Next was hyde and green park and Buckingham Palace. I spotted a man walking a ferret, which was more interesting than staring at the gates of the palace.

I had fish and chips for lunch, which were bland and not delicious, but Chris tells me that's because I got them from a pub and not a special fish and chips shop - I'll have to try again later. 

Then, I went to the British Museum, which is free and a very popular tourist attraction. It's huge but I disliked it immensely because there were not enough museum staff on hand to control the crowds. It literally took me more than 4 minutes to read the informational plaque in front of the rosetta stone because people physically pushed me out of the way in order to photograph it (not read it, photograph it). In another room, people were touching and leaning against pieces that were thousands of years old. I found the whole thing very stressful and left. 

That night, I ate at a delicious vegetarian restaurant and saw Andrew Maxwell at a comedy show:

There, I learned about alcoholic ginger beer, which is now my favorite type of beer:

Now, three random things about London: 

The metro in London is called the "Underground" or the "Tube." It's the best city transportation system I've ever used - very easy to navigate, clean, and has frequent trains; I never had to wait more than 4 minutes. At the more popular stations they've installed LCD screens along the escalators that flash advertisements at you. I didn't particularly appreciate it because the flashing screens make it impossible for you to ignore, but I suppose that's the point... 

Also, everyone drives on the left side of the road here. In order to minimize tourist accidents/deaths, the crosswalks are painted to tell people to check for traffic. Checking the street for traffic before crossing isn't something I give a lot of thought to at home, but here I read the sign every time - it's a bit like learning how to drive stick in the beginning when you have to carefully and consciously shift gears. 

Also, a lot of the toilets I used flush when you wave your hand in front of a small, circular sensor. I am going to have one installed in my future home. 

The best thing I did in London was visit the Wellcome Collection. It hosts a floor of very interesting things - mostly medical, but not all. I didn't have to feign interest in a single exhibit - my eyes never glossed over while reading descriptions - and I was sad when I learned it was contained on a single floor. If you go to London, go there.

I mean, who doesn't want to see 19th century Italian porn?

Or the robot that was used during the human genome project?

Or forceps from 1726?

Or an old wooden model of a pregnant woman used for teaching OBGYN professionals in the 18th century?

That night, I went to London's equivalent of NYC's Time's Square and saw the musical "Blood Brothers," which has been running for over 20 years. 

The next evening,  I headed to the country and had an amazing vegetarian feast, lots of wine and I learned that in England you can foster children as a job. It doesn't pay a lot, but it pays enough to get by. I am jealous, of course.

The next day I spent hours and hours looking for the docks from which tour boats depart. 

Along the way, I found Big Ben, which (in a very knowing tone), is the name of the bell - not the clock or the tower. Now I know that, which means I'm better than people that don't. (oy vey)

Finally, a tour boat! 

The rings were installed underneath the tower bridge.  Or, as I'm reminded, tower bridge - many people here drop "the" when referring to places.  For example, instead of saying "I went to the library" they'd say, "I went to library." 

Then,  I was faced with my first night alone overseas, ever. Luckily, a guy from couch surfing.org messaged me and we met up for beer and nachos at a local pub and talked for a couple of hours, so it was bearable. Then I checked into a hostel and shared a room with 5 other girls. I was apprehensive but it turned out I chose a very nice hostel with beautiful wood, a knight in shining armor, and bunk beds with thick red velvet curtains for privacy. 

Now, for some art. I wish these lips were aligned... 

And that's my week in London. I'm going to miss the tube and the $6 fresh baguette sandwiches. Exploring London by myself during the day was a nice way to ease into traveling alone, which is an incredibly different feeling from traveling with friends. I'm not entirely sure it's for me, but we'll see what Ireland holds next week. Much love, Erin.